Five Key Questions Buyers Often Don’t Ask, But Should
Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions someone will make in their lifetime. It can feel empowering and overwhelming, all at the same time. And while the Internet has given people access to more resources than ever before to prepare for this milestone step, there are five essential questions even the savviest prospective buyer often overlooks.
How negotiable is the seller?
Each season is a new market, and this year in particular this rings true. Discuss pricing with your agent, and don’t be afraid to make an offer where you feel comfortable. Market tolerances for negotiability is hovering around 10% in many cases. Sellers expect someone to make an offer, and if it is within an appropriate range, most sellers will continue the conversation.
Can I open the windows to hear the noise from the street?
Potential buyers usually ask if a home is noisy but generally don’t think to ask to open the windows to hear for themselves. It’s also important to consider noise levels at the time of day you view the apartment and look to what is located nearby. What are the drop-off and pick-up times for the school down the street, and how busy is the restaurant on the corner? It is also worth noting any nearby new development as construction noise tends to peak during the day. This will be important if you tend to work from home.
How old are the appliances?
Another question people will often ask their agent is how long ago a renovation was completed but they should also ask about the age of the appliances. Renovations and appliance replacements do not always go hand-in-hand so just because the countertops were changed recently does not mean the dishwasher was replaced at the same time. This can lead to having a number of appliances out of warranty should anything breakdown once you retain ownership.
How cool is the air conditioning and strong is the water pressure?
When checking appliances, also ask to test a few crucial features of a home out: air conditioning and water pressure. Neither of which will be an easy fix if you purchase and then are unhappy with their functioning. Turn on the air conditioning, regardless of the season, so you can hear and feel it. Keep in mind if a unit has been vacant for a bit and the air has not been used recently, there may be a mild odor but this should go away with regular use. Test the water pressure for yourself in the kitchen and bathrooms as well. You can also check to see how quickly the water heats at this time.
How helpful and capable is the building’s super?
The common questions, “Are there any planned assessments and when was the last maintenance charge increase,” should always be accompanied by, “How helpful and capable is the building’s Super?” Protect your monthly budget by gaining a true sense of what maintenance responsibilities will fall to you, and what the building’s Super is able to address. Also find out if the Super is live-in as this ensures more timely responses and if they are able to access your apartment while you are out. Supers can also be a good source of information for any previous or recurring problems with the unit if you can catch one on your viewing.
About Lisa
Lisa K. Lippman is the #1 agent at Brown Harris Stevens, an honor that she has held for the past six consecutive years. For more, visit: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/lisa-lippman
